Here is the latest Montana news from The Associated Press

KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) Arraignments will be held Monday morning at the Flathead County Courthouse for state Sen. Greg Barkus, charged in a boat crash that injured U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg and others. Lake County District Judge Kim Christopher will preside over the hearing, where Barkus is expected to enter a plea.

KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) The Glacier Park International Airport Authority Board is sticking by its decision to privatize its airport security force. About a dozen of Glacier Park International's 33 federal transportation security workers attended yesterday's Airport Board meeting, asking if they'll have to accept entry-level wages if they go to work for a private contractor.

Missoula, Mont. (AP) A Missoula jury is awarding $3.2 million to a woman who sued a pharmaceutical company over the side effects of a bone-strenghtening drug. Peggy Stevens sued Novartis Pharmaceuticals alleging the company should have disclosed health risks associated with the drug Zometa.

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) Fifty missile silos at Malmstrom Air Force Base are now in mothballs. Maintenance workers have removed all the major equipment from the 50 silos and five control facilities. Malmstrom's other three missile squadrons remain in operation. Each squadron has 50 ICBMs.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-21-09 1745CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list